Which AI model should I use?

Match cognitive load to model capability

The Decision Framework

Three questions to select the right model:

Question If Yes Model Tier
Is this execution? Well-defined task, clear success criteria, checklist exists Small Model (no thinking)
Does this need judgment? Guidelines exist but interpretation needed, some ambiguity Mid Model + Thinking
Is this complex? Define the problem then solve it, strategic reasoning required Top Model + Thinking

Context Modifier: Skills, Projects, or Instructions with domain knowledge reduce complexity by one tier.

Cross-Platform Model Reference

Task Type Claude OpenAI Google Thinking?
Structured / Execution Haiku Instant Flash No
Unstructured / Judgment Sonnet Auto Thinking Yes
Complex / Strategic Opus Thinking Pro / Ultra Yes

The Employee Analogy

Employee Level Task Type What They Do
Junior Execution Executes instructions from a checklist
Mid-Level Judgment Interprets intent within guidelines
Senior Complex Frames the problem, then solves it

Don't pay senior rates for junior work. Don't expect junior output on senior problems.

Practical Examples

Task Model Why
Format a document, run a template Small Execution
Site audit, data extraction Small Execution
Evaluate my LinkedIn headline Mid + Thinking Judgment
Debug code, implement feature Mid + Thinking Judgment
Blindspot analysis, strategy development Top + Thinking Complex
System architecture, novel frameworks Top + Thinking Complex

Key Rules

  1. 1. Always enable thinking mode for Mid and Top tier models
  2. 2. Context (Skills / Projects / Instructions) drops complexity by one tier
  3. 3. Pay compute upfront to avoid correction tax downstream
  4. 4. The less structured the request, the more advanced the model

Compound Leverage  |  THINK Methodology  |  compoundleverage.com